901 S. Highland St. 
Arlington, VA 22204
Tel: (703) 685-0510
Fax: (703) 685-0529
E-mail: Axumiteheritage@ecdcus.org
www.ecdcinternational.org

                                       AHF Information                                 Pledge Form
July 19, 2011 

Dear friends:


One of the Ethiopian Development Council's (ECDC) missions is to conduct humanitarian and development programs in the Horn of Africa. To this end, ECDC has shipped 867,212 books estimated at $44.5 million since 1992 for distribution to Ethiopian schools and libraries, including the Afar, Amhara, Benishangul-Gumz, Oromia, South Nations, Nationalities and Peoples, and Tigray regions. In Addis Ababa, ECDC has responded to requests from Addis Ababa University Library, its Law, Medical and Pharmacy Schools. 
Upon reflecting on our involvement in Ethiopia, we have decided to focus on particular projects that empower local communities through the creation of institutions and the active cultivation of public stewardship. Our plan to build a new public library and an ethnographic museum in Axum is part of this new direction. We invite your partnership in this important endeavor.

As you may know, Axum was the site of an ancient civilization that began before the second century B.C. Noted for its naval prowess, the Axumite Empire had extensive trade networks that extended to the Mediterranean, to Southeast Asia, and to the Middle East. Though the state of historical and cultural preservation remains challenged, archaeological research in Axum continues to shed light on the ancient world. 
Beginnings...

"In 1992, I visited Ethiopia on personal business and returned to my home town of Axum. Growing up there, I remember three distinct features of the city that were held in sacred regard: the stelae field which marked ancient royal graves; St. Mary of Zion Church, home to the Ark of the Covenant; and the Governor's Palace, the'Inda Nebri'id, where the hereditary ruler of Axum lived.

After an absence of over 20 years, I was shocked to see the 'Inda Nebri'id in dilapidated state. Gaping holes replaced where walls, windows, doorframes, and part of the roof had been. Tanks and war vehicles were rusting on the grounds. Inside a homeless soldier traumatized by the war had set up camp, fighting imagined enemies. The bathroom bore marks of torture and killings with stained tiles and bullet holes on the walls. The deteriorated 19th century 'Inda Nebri'id, devoid of stately pomp and pride, symbolized to me the indignities inflicted on Ethiopia under the violent rule of the Derg. My determination to restore it was instinctive as I considered it an act of healing myself and the community.

I made a personal commitment then to transform the 'Inda Nebri'id into a library that would serve the public. Where once residents would be repelled by the pain and fear it evoked, the 'Inda Nebri'id would be a place of knowledge and light where the community would feel welcomed, and lives would be transformed. Thus began the dream."

Tsehaye Teferra

Axumite Heritage Foundation
To facilitate its work in Axum, ECDC established the Axumite Heritage Foundation (AHF) in 1993. During Phase 1, our first priority was to restore the Inda Nebri'id, at the cost of about $100,000, for use initially as a public library that would later be transformed into an ethnographic museum. The AHF initiative grew from individual concern to respond to community needs and resulted in the unique outcome of a non-governmental organization establishing institutions for public use.

Restoration work began in 1994 and was completed in 2000. In 2001, the Axumite Heritage Foundation (AHF) Library opened its doors and has since become an integral part of the city's landscape. The library has created employment opportunities for local residents while making educational resources available to all. Its holdings are automated, and the collection has expanded to over 20,000 books and journals. Significant donations from notable private collections now constitute the beginnings of the Special Collection from which the future Institute of Axumite Studies will be formed. Patron use has increased steadily from 32,325 door-counts in 2009 to a projected 50,000 in 2011. Based on this, the library's days and hours of operation have recently been extended to better serve the public.The ECDC/AHF's historic effort in returning the 'Inda Nebri'id to its former position of honor and transforming it into a place for life-long learning will guarantee its enduring relevance for generations to come.

ECDC/AHF is now preparing to launch Phase 2 of its ambitious project: construction of a permanent three-storey modern library in the Inda Nebri'id compound. Local arrangements are complete. Fasil Giorghis, a nationally acclaimed architect noted for reviving historical building techniques, has designed the new library. A local contractor in Axum is now ready to begin construction.

Public libraries are cornerstones of the communities they serve. Free access to ideas and information is imperative for enjoyment, education, and employment. Empowering communities is one of ECDC's core values, and we are proud to be able to work with the City and people of Axum, a town of immense historical and archaeological importance. By creating local institutions, we ensure long-term development. By increasing access to knowledge and directing interest to Axum's cultural riches, we inspire communal stewardship. 

The ECDC/AHF has set a goal of raising $750,000 for construction of the new Axumite Heritage Foundation Library. We have raised about $50 000 from individual donors and concerned community members, and now invite your partnership in this rewarding endeavor. Your financial support will be a building block for this initiative and contribute to the intellectual growth of future generations. 

On top of the email you will find a link to the pledge form and information about the Axumite Heritage Foundation. Your contribution is critical to make this dream a reality and your generous support will be gratefully acknowledged.

Let me thank you in advance for your participation. I look forward to welcoming you as a partner in this effort.
Sincerely,



Tsehaye Teferra, Ph.D.
President
901 S. Highland St.
Arlington, VA 22204
Tel: (703) 685-0510
Fax: (703) 685-0529
E-mail: Axumiteheritage@ecdcus.org
www.ecdcinternational.org